the application process — part 1
One of the first issues to
consider as relates to applying is that the schools you are interested
in may have different application deadlines. Other than
a regular deadline date, some may have an early decision deadline as well.
Other schools have rolling admissions, which means there is not any specific
deadline. Even with a rolling admissions policy, I recommend applying early
in the fall of your senior year or even during the summer before your senior
year. It is wise to obtain application deadlines before your senior year
begins. This may mean that you need to apply before visiting the campus
in some cases.
Bear in mind that schools act on applications at different times, so it's
a good idea to ask when you can expect a decision so that you aren't
waiting
by the mail box for several weeks.
Some schools may offer an application fee waiver to students who apply by
a certain date. If you are applying to a number of schools at $25 - $50 each,
this can save a considerable amount of money. Call during the summer before
your senior year to see if the school has an early application fee waiver
program.
A final point to stress here is that you are a unique individual. While one
college may be perfect for your best friend, it may be less than ideal for
you. You and your family need to consider all factors involved - academic,
social, financial, spiritual, etc. Give yourself a chance to truly explore
all your options, you will then feel more comfortable regardless of where
your final decision may lead.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION
Once you know the colleges
and/or universities to which you wish to apply, your attention must
turn to the task of gaining acceptance.
This process
may seem simple, or it may push you to the edge of a nervous breakdown.
There are
some fundamental principles that must be followed as you work toward
two separate and important goals.
The first goal in applying is straight forward - to gain acceptance.
However, a second goal must be considered. The second goal is to demonstrate
that
you are the type of quality student and person the school wants to enroll.
Accomplishing
the first goal will get you in the door, but it's the second goal that
will help position you for financial aid consideration. It's important
to remember
both goals in considering the application process.
While working in college admissions, the majority of applications that
crossed my desk were adequate. A small number appeared to have been completed
by
the applicant's third grade brother, and finally there were a small number
that
I actually enjoyed reading. Needless to say, if you are reading this,
you want to be in this final group. So how do you get there?
Let's begin by recognizing that nearly every school that does not have
an open admissions policy represents a different level of challenge in
gaining
acceptance.
A college or university with an average SAT of 1100 may not seem difficult
to gain acceptance into if you have an SAT of 1250. Obviously, that same
college or university may be very difficult to gain acceptance to for
a student with
an SAT of 900. Both the 1250 and the 900 SAT student should realize that
the application process should be viewed with both of the goals mentioned
above
in mind. One of the mistakes that an academically stronger student can
make is in not realizing that the application could impact their financial
aid.
The point is, never treat the application process lightly, even if you
have a 1300 SAT and are applying to a relatively non-competitive school.
Regardless
of your situation, the following principles should hold true.
1. Type Everything
Does this seem obvious? While it may be obvious to you, believe me when
I say that it must not be obvious to everyone. If the admissions office
can't
read
your application, it is impossible to make a favorable impression. Every
piece of communication and correspondence you have with the admissions
office has
the potential to influence a decision - negatively or positively.
The admissions application is your opportunity to "shine". Don't
put yourself at a disadvantage because you didn't want to take the time to
make your application look professional. When I saw a typed application, I
concluded that the student was serious about the school and the admissions
process.
2. The Extra Essay
Have you considered writing an extra essay? This will almost certainly
set your application apart. If the application requires no essays, take
the initiative
to include one anyway. I recommend a 250 to 500 word essay. Remember,
the goal is to stand out and be noticed! Schools want students that they
believe
will
positively influence their campus. Write an essay explaining how you
will make a positive impact at the school.
Let me stress the importance of knowing the difference between confidence
and arrogance. You do not want to give the impression that the college
or university
would be foolish to overlook your amazing intellect and potential contributions.
I recommend one extra essay. Please do not make the mistake of "overkill".
The extra essay can backfire if you write a novel. You do not want to be remembered
as the student whose application took an hour to read. Focus on your most unique
characteristic or quality and strive for confidence rather than arrogance.
One way to strike the proper balance is to also include how you believe the
school will assist you in reaching your goals.
3. Honors And Activities
You may find that the application gives you the opportunity to list your
honors and activities. I suggest typing SEE ATTACHED HONORS AND ACTIVITY
SHEET in
this space. Make it easy for the admissions representatives to see your
accomplishments. Remember you are marketing yourself! Include everything
you can think of
- a community clean-up project, girl/boy scouts, church youth group,
academic competitions, music competitions, student government, athletic
awards,
volunteer positions, and any other awards you may have received in high
school. You
may
be pleasantly surprised at the length of your list once you take the
time to sit down and think about what you have done for the past four
years
(parents can be a great help with this). If you have a lengthy list,
you may want
to
have different headings such as: COMMUNITY/VOLUNTEER POSITIONS, SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES, CHURCH ACTIVITIES, HONORS, ACADEMIC AWARDS, ATHLETIC AWARDS.
If the application
does not request such a list, include it anyway.
4. Fill Out The Application Completely
If a question is important enough to be included on the application,
you need to answer it. Don't give the impression that you only felt the "important" questions
were worth your time. A school may have a good reason for including a question
that seems irrelevant to you. Even the "optional" questions are wise
to complete.
5. Meet Deadlines
This point may be obvious, but sending in your application ahead of the
deadline is even better. Demonstrating that you are organized and genuinely
interested
in the school by having your completed application in early can only
help your cause.
This article continues here:
THE APPLICATION PROCESS – PART
2
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